A reusable coffee cup is one that you take into your local cafe with you instead of using a disposable one. Usually made from eco-friendly materials, they have a drinking hole on the bottom and a lid that snaps on or off like a regular coffee cup. They’re designed to replace the disposable takeaway cups that we all tend to throw away each day. They’re more durable than disposables and are often insulated so your drink stays warm or cold longer. You can get them in a wide range of colours and designs to suit your style.
A major advantage of a reusable cup is that it’s better for the environment than a single-use plastic cup. The manufacturing of a single-use coffee cup takes a lot of energy, producing greenhouse gasses and contributing to global warming. It also uses wood and water to make the paper that it’s made of, putting pressure on forest trees that could be used for something more useful. But, when you bring your own reusable cup into the shop, it reduces the demand for these items.
Reusable cups come in a variety of materials, from plastic to glass and even stainless steel. Each type has its own benefits and disadvantages. Stainless steel cups are durable and can be used again and again, but they may be more expensive than other types. Some people prefer the look of a glass cup, which is both stylish and eco-friendly.
Another consideration is that reusable cups need to be cleaned regularly. This does add to their environmental burden, but the amount depends on how frequently and how thoroughly you clean them. Ideally, you’ll only wash your reusable cup after every use. This will prevent the build-up of bacteria that can spoil the taste of your coffee, as well as protecting your health.
When you bring your own cup into a café, you can also ask to have a discount on your coffee. Many establishments that promote responsible consumption have a scheme that certifies them as greener than others and offer incentives for those who use reusable cups. These can be as low as 20 or 50 cents. You can find a list of these locations at the Responsible Cafes website.
While the initial cost of a reusable coffee cup is higher than a disposable, it’s worth the investment for a number of reasons. They’re much more efficient than disposables, so you’ll save money in the long run. They’re also a lot more sustainable than plastic, as they will last much longer.
Finally, the use of a reusable coffee cup reduces a country’s waste output, as well as the strain on forest trees for the paper they need to manufacture their own cups. Cardboard, which is a main component of these kinds of cups, can be recycled multiple times over, and the resources used to make them are less harmful to the planet than those used to produce single-use plastics.